Congress candidate Shilley Sonam urges voters to reject ‘money culture’ in Itanagar poll

Campaigning in Ward 10 of the Itanagar Municipal Corporation has taken an unusual turn as Congress candidate Shilley Sonam appeals to residents without rallies, star campaigners or roadshows, calling on voters to reject what he described as a “money culture” in local politics.

 

Sonam, who also serves as General Secretary of the Arunachal Pradesh Congress Committee, is contesting against the BJP’s Yukar Yaro in one of the city’s most significant wards. Despite the Congress holding only one seat in the 60-member state assembly, the party has fielded six candidates for the December 15 municipal polls.

 

Speaking to India Today NE, Sonam said Ward 10 — which covers the police station area, Gandhi Market, the Chief Secretary’s bungalow, the State Circuit House and key financial institutions — needs a representative chosen for competence rather than party lines. He added that even some BJP supporters have expressed willingness to back him.

 

The ward has around 4,000 voters, making it one of the largest in the city. According to Sonam, more than 70% of residents are originally from outside Arunachal Pradesh, and ensuring their safety and security would be among his top priorities if elected.

 

Outlining his agenda, he highlighted immediate goals: improving cleanliness in Gandhi Market, upgrading drainage and road infrastructure, and introducing smart classrooms in government schools.

 

“My request is simple — give the Congress a chance and help bring meaningful change,” he said.